Packers Stock Report Heading Into Week 1
The Green Bay Packers have had a long and arduous offseason amid the pandemic. However, the team is finally getting ready for their week one matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Their roster is set and the practice squad is full. For many of us, Sunday will be the first time we’ve seen most of these players since January. There was no preseason in 2020, making it especially difficult to gauge what the Packers will look like on the field. Is Matt LaFleur’s offense ready to take a step forward in year two? Can the run defense rebound? Nothing will be answered in week one, but how they perform will set the tone for the rest of the year. Green Bay is looking to defend its NFC North title, and Sunday’s game will require some great individual performances. On the other hand, it may take longer for some players to settle in. So, this week we’re going to look at which players you should buy or sell heading into week one.
Buy
1. Robert Tonyan
It was not expected, but Big Bob Tonyan has been TE1 in practice. There were a lot of question marks at tight end this offseason after the release of Jimmy Graham and no free agent acquisitions. Instead of looking externally, Green Bay brought back Marcedes Lewis. Meanwhile, everyone was high on last year’s third-round selection Jace Sternberger, however, Tonyan will be the guy to start the year.
2. Christian Kirksey
Kirksey was brought in to replace Blake Martinez, and so far, there haven’t been many complaints. The Packers believe they got an upgrade over their former signal-caller who was one of the league’s most prolific tacklers. Earlier this week, GM Brian Gutekunst said Kirksey has the “dynamic ability” the defense has been lacking at inside linebacker. Kirksey is certainly a better athlete than Martinez, but he has had issues dealing with injuries while Martinez hardly missed any time at all. Injury history aside, I’m still buying Kirksey’s stock for the short term as the team’s every-down linebacker.
3. Elgton Jenkins
Given all the question marks surrounding Rick Wagner and the Packers' right tackle spot, Jenkins is a guy to watch out for. After a stellar rookie season, he’s on his way to being one of the top developing young offensive linemen in the NFL. LaFleur has been very noncommittal about who will play right tackle in Minnesota, basically treating it as a game-time decision. Jenkins has an outside chance to be the guy due to his versatility and experience in college where he started one game at right tackle and five at left. LaFleur spoke highly of Jenkins skillset when asked about the former second-rounder in August.
"There’s nothing that I don’t think he can play,” he said.
Sell
1. Oren Burks
It’s been another rough training camp for Burks, who has once again missed time due to injury. He’s back for the time being, but even when healthy, Burks had his work cut out for him in training camp. Before he was placed on injured reserve, rookie Kamal Martin was in the running to be the second starting inside linebacker. Burks will probably see the field in the coming weeks, but nothing is certain at the moment. Green Bay could opt to use a safety to play alongside Kirksey in the box if Burks isn’t ready to contribute.
2. Equanimeous St. Brown
After missing all of last year with an ankle injury, expectations have been high for St. Brown who now has a clean bill of health. The 2018 sixth-round pick had a solid rookie season and was expected to compete for snaps in the slot last year before getting injured. St. Brown’s return was highly anticipated this summer, but the 6-5 receiver was relatively quiet. Although he safely made the roster, it might take time for him to see consistent snaps in LaFleur’s offense.
3. Rick Wagner
Wagner’s tenure with the Packers is off to a rough start. He’s been banged up and now he’s is listed as the backup right tackle to Billy Turner for Sunday’s game. Turner started all 16 games at right guard in 2019, but when Green Bay published their first unofficial depth chart on Monday, they listed Turner ahead of Wagner. LaFleur has left the job open so Wagner could very well trot out with the first-team offense. However, it says enough about Wagner’s performance this year that he hasn’t won the job outright.
Brandon Carwile is a Packers writer who also enjoys watching and breaking down film. Follow him on Twitter @PackerScribe.
Comments (53)
TarynsEyes
September 09, 2020 at 12:32 pm
Wasn't Tonyan expected or at least hyped to be the next TE after Graham...(or was that the awesome Richard Rodgers or IDK as we've had so many) who was signed to give Tonyan some time to grow. His stock is up but it appears more by default, failing of other(s) than growth.
Kirksey is a move from tackles to coverage and his coverage is based on his health.
Burks is the basement chair that some still believe can look good on the porch, but when in the view of the public, you can't help but kick yourself.
Equanimeous St.Browns name will always be longer than his career.
Jenkins not being named the starter, because of the attempt of a mind game with Minn, can have one sense that the FO and MLF have doubts.
Coldworld
September 09, 2020 at 01:16 pm
Well, it undoubtedly helped him in a competition with Sternberger that Sternberger couldn’t compete for most of camp. Tonyan’s weakness has been in the non receiving aspects of the TE position, the ones that don’t show up on practice typically. That said, if he has figured out blocking and other aspects necessary to be an all round TE, we all gain. I’m not going to be convinced till he proves it in games.
Burks is going to be a much better known commodity next week. I truly don’t know if he can play and stay upright. If he fulfill expectations going into the draft, we will all feel a lot better. If he is abused or injured, I think it’s time to move on from him. I’d say the same about M Adams, but not sure if he is fit.
I suspect that Wagner will start if healthy and Turner isn’t, but I’m not sure Turner is that far away. I doubt they start Jenkins.
jeremyjjbrown
September 09, 2020 at 02:07 pm
"I truly don’t know if he can play and stay upright."
That's problem. He also doesn't seam to read and actually do something. IDK if it's because he's worried about engaging or slow to diagnose. Either way it's not very good.
LayingTheLawe
September 09, 2020 at 04:00 pm
I think everyone was thinking now its Sternberger time. Before camp I thought Big Bob might be having a hard time making the roster but now he's starting.
PF4L
September 09, 2020 at 07:26 pm
I'm not so sure everyone was high on Sternberger.
One sign of that was Gute went and picked another tight end at #3.
The other thing was he wasn't in the game plan much during the regular season, but i can't really fault him for that, we had Mr. Wonderful Jimmy Graham.
But to be fair....on one play, when he caught that TD pass from Rodgers against San Fran, i was more than impressed. Not because he caught a TD pass. But because he saw that Rodgers was in trouble looking for someone to step up, Jace put his foot in the ground, crossed back about 5-7 yards and gave Rodgers a target. It was only one play but....that's how you do it.
We'll see how it all shakes out on the field though.....soon :)
PeteK
September 09, 2020 at 04:21 pm
Your basement chair analogy is hilarious and true. You scare me, I afraid to think what else you have in your basement.
TarynsEyes
September 09, 2020 at 05:32 pm
It's not my basement contents you should be afraid of, but the Packers. I learned a long time ago not to hoard junk of any kind thinking it more valuable that what it is and when it doesn't fit in the scheme upstairs.
PeteK
September 09, 2020 at 06:23 pm
Pack will be fine, didn't you learn from your negative prediction from last year.
PF4L
September 09, 2020 at 07:01 pm
I don't know what Tarynfor12 predicted last year, but if he said the 49ers would embarrass the Packers.....twice, he was spot on. Last season was a great year considering, won what?..6 very close games? didn't have many injuries. The stars aligned.
The best thing about last years team was their single improvement in defensive scoring, They yielded 5 points less per game than in 2018. even though they had more sacks in 2018. But.....they got much better in the red zone over 2018 and credit should be given.
I appreciate articles like Tarynfor12's. After reading a rah rah article, it's guys like him that bring it out of fantasy land with some reality based insight.
Players don't "usually" all of a sudden get a lot better during a off season. Nor should they be hyped as such. Wait for the games, lets see what they have in real games.
I take the "Show me, don't tell me" approach about player improvement. Players have improved, when we see them improve. Training camp and/or pre-season games are proof of nothing in the NFL. Players can't win any awards before the season starts. If they could, Brett Hundley would have been MVP in the 2015 pre-season with his 129 passer rating. We all saw what that translated into.
TarynsEyes
September 09, 2020 at 07:51 pm
Thank you for the compliment, but I'm not a he and I know it's an automatic assumption.
PF4L
September 11, 2020 at 12:57 pm
My bad Taryanfor12. But now i'm even more impressed with your comments.
They seem dark, slow and written with a deliberate confidence.... in a spooky way.
That...coupled with your photo, freaks me out in a frightened way where i don't want to step over the line and piss you off on the possibility you may throw an evil curse at me. :)
murf7777
September 09, 2020 at 09:12 pm
Actually they had average amount of injuries in the nfl, it probably seems low because they have had a lot of bad luck in recent past years.
PF4L
September 11, 2020 at 12:59 pm
Yea Murf, maybe they were less severe also, but damn, i can remember a lot worse seasons.
TarynsEyes
September 09, 2020 at 07:53 pm
I predicted the Packers to win over nine and if they caught a couple of teams at the right time, perhaps a few more. I'm on record here as saying such and most know it but will likely deny it. That prediction was based on schedule, which was weak.
murf7777
September 09, 2020 at 09:15 pm
I remember your 9 prediction, but not a few more. I was fortunate and bet they would win over 9.5.
murf7777
September 09, 2020 at 05:15 pm
I’d be shocked to see Jenkins at RT, keep him at Guard where he will be pro bowl this year.
PF4L
September 11, 2020 at 01:00 pm
Agreed Murf, if the left side isn't broke, leave it alone. When this team starts playing nusical chairs up at the line, all it does is move problems.
Gute signed two free agents to handle the right side, if it isn't right, than sign Veldheer and make it right.
Lphill
September 09, 2020 at 01:40 pm
I agree on Burks he is just not the guy we want to depend on in the middle , Patrick Queen starting for the Ravens yet many Packer beat reporters are always quick to say rookies rarely can start , we will see.
Coldworld
September 09, 2020 at 01:55 pm
Martin would have started were he not injured. Not ideal to start rookies but it’s a fact of life in cap era nfl.
BuckyBadger
September 09, 2020 at 03:10 pm
Rookies can start ILB most times right away and would expect a 1st or 2nd rounder to. If not you made an error in that pick because you can get serviceable ILBs later in the draft.
splitpea1
September 09, 2020 at 03:46 pm
Some fans also questioned Queen's size and durability, but at least he made through training camp and is ready to start; when exactly will Burks be "ready to contribute?" Not much sand left in the hourglass....
Lphill
September 09, 2020 at 01:41 pm
The Packers also signed a linebacker from the patriots.
dobber
September 09, 2020 at 01:59 pm
...to the practice squad. He'll need a couple weeks to be conversant in the system just to familiarize, and he's a rookie.
Lphill
September 09, 2020 at 01:59 pm
Yes you are correct but I think he’s a keeper .
Coldworld
September 09, 2020 at 02:43 pm
Hope that’s why we signed him! Good downhill, off the ball player in college but no coverage experience and reputation. Is as a straight line only type: not a 3 down type. That said. Pettine does seek happiness fillers too.
Lphill
September 09, 2020 at 02:45 pm
Harris was a 3 time all SEC and led the entire SEC in tackles his junior year , I hope he’s a fast learner.
Coldworld
September 09, 2020 at 02:56 pm
I posted this on an earlier thread late on. Might be if interest to repeat:
“De’jon Harris from NE: Patspulpit.com said this of him earlier in the off season:
“ What does “Scoota” Harris look like as a player?
If I had to use one word to describe him it would be downhill. It seems like that was the only role in which he was used at Arkansas. He played in the middle of the Razorback defense and was rarely asked to do anything other than be a thumper, because he was damn good at it. For three straight seasons Harris racked up 100+ tackles, in addition to his on field efforts he was voted team captain prior to last season. In terms of a pro comparison, think Elandon Roberts, another undersized tackling machine who projects to contribute on special teams as well as on defense.
Should Harris stick to this, or any NFL roster, he would likely be used as a special teamer and as an early down linebacker. He moves well in a straight line but has some pretty tight hips that can get him in trouble if he’s moving side to side. He is not someone you want in coverage either, his change of direction is lacking and guesses on routes.”
Looks like a high character type.“
greengold
September 10, 2020 at 09:20 am
Thanks for sharing that, Coldworld. There's your hybrid backup to Raven Greene...
DAMN, just watched his highlights and Scooter Harris is an absolute destroyer in the run game. I mean, the dude keys on plays with insanely fast recognition, then makes a bee-line for the ball carrier. Hits with power and authority. This guy will help with run stop if he makes it onto the field. I have ZERO doubts about that.
Archie
September 09, 2020 at 01:47 pm
Too early to be down on anyone that made the 53.
I think Sternberger is suffering from the after-effects of covid19. I wish him good health.
The Pack has unearthed some nice young players for the bottom of the roster. Depth looks better than in a long time.
Aside from the mess at RT, every position is looking good at the start of the season. Jenkings may well be our RT. Unless Ninjman surges ahead. I just doubt the Pack would go with a green starter on opening day unless they had no choice.
I think Pack fans will be pleased with the way this team plays.
Coldworld
September 09, 2020 at 01:59 pm
I think Nijman looks like he is focusing on left tackle from what I’ve read. If so, longer term I read that as a good sign. I still think Wagner or Turner start at right if healthy.
dobber
September 09, 2020 at 02:00 pm
Agreed. I think Wagner is the man, week 1.
PeteK
September 09, 2020 at 04:32 pm
I really hope you're right.
jeremyjjbrown
September 09, 2020 at 02:08 pm
"I think Sternberger is suffering from the after-effects of covid19."
That can last for months. Let me tell you. It is not the Flu.
BuckyBadger
September 09, 2020 at 03:09 pm
Kirksey has to show he can hold up before I buy anything on him. Availability is the ability the Packers need from basically any of the ILBs. Martinez was pretty average but he was there every week.
The RT spot has been a disappointment. Bulaga signed a pretty friendly deal that would be costing less than Wagner and Turner combined deals and I would much rather have Bulaga even at 31 over the both of them. The Packers are going to have regrets here I think.
I can't give up on St Brown but all the WRs are of course on watch. Someone needs to be able to get open so 3rd downs aren't as abysmal as they where last year. Someone has to show they are a threat outside of Adams because right now these guys have only shined vs bad teams. Lazzard, MVS and Brown all need to be better.
Hope the run D improves but don't see how. I loving the roster headed into the season.
Leatherhead
September 09, 2020 at 04:13 pm
Buy: winning the division
Sell: scramble drill
You’ve got a smart, veteran QB who protects the ball and executes, even under extreme circumstances.
Rodgers to Adams is one of the league’s better combos.
Jones led the league in TDs
All behind a bunch of pretty good offensive linemen. A Top Ten defense. The winningest rookie coach in history
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I think the Vikings took a step back this offseason and the Bears improved, so I think they’re our main challenger. The Lions. Never pick the Lions to win anything and you’ll rarely be wrong.
I think we have a good chance to rip out the heart of the Vikings this Sunday
murf7777
September 09, 2020 at 05:05 pm
D. hunter put onto IR and won’t play week 1-3. I suppose when we win this game the naysayers will state, we were lucky again, instead of getting credit for what will probably be another one score win:)
greengold
September 10, 2020 at 09:27 am
Man, I could not agree more with this. This Packers team, especially with the addition of Daylon Mack, is stacked with talent. They are going to rock a bunch of teams this year, and I think it will be very fun to watch.
I see a TON of surprises, in a good way, for Packers fans this year.
Packers0808
September 09, 2020 at 04:37 pm
I would bet that if after game one RT still in question Velhdeer will be given a call!
PF4L
September 09, 2020 at 07:29 pm
If there is still a question at right tackle, it's one more piece of evidence that Gute is in over his head.
13TimeChamps
September 09, 2020 at 09:37 pm
Jaire Alexander 2018 All Rookie Team
Elgton Jenkins 2019 All Rookie Team
Darnell Savage 2019 All Rookie Team
Zadarius Smith FA
Preston Smith FA
Adrian Amos FA
2019 14-4 record...swept the division
But there is a question mark at right tackle. Yup...definitely is in over his head.
PF4L
September 11, 2020 at 12:28 pm
Apparently in your mind Gute hasn't made any mistakes, or do we just ignore those and drink the kool aid?..Cherry picking?.....interesting.
Lets review Gutes glory (in your mind) Lets put all this in critical thinking context shall we?
Adrian Amos...Average player - slightly above (so far)...income last year = 14.15 million. For 14 million, i'm looking for ALL-PRO, but i'll settle for Pro Bowl....No?....ok next.
Preston Smith...13 sacks (good), 66.1 PFF grade (average)...income last year = 18 million. Can we expect a Pro Bowler for 18 million, i guess not.
Zadarius Smith...Credit Gute....13.5 sacks with a PFF grade of 90.2 (stellar). Gutes shining star...income last year = 22.5 million. He was snubbed from the Pro Bowl...badly. He didn't come cheap, and thank God he performed...for that kind of money.
Alexander is slightly better than average, good pick so far. Finished last season with a very respectable ratio of attempts vs completions. Also improved passes defended last season with 17.
Elgton Jenkins...Respectable 69.2 PFF grade. Was out of position too many times, and also had 8 penalties, 4th worst in the league. Gave up no sacks. some of that you can credit Rodgers for avoiding his defender coming in. Saved Jenkins about 3-4 sacks.
Nonetheless, a promising player for the future. Good pick so far by Gute.
Darnell Savage...68 PFF grade. aggressive player who is sometimes too aggressive over running himself out of the play. Again...good rookie pick with potential.
Now....those are your success's you've pointed out. But here's the deal. those are the fruits of 3 drafts, and 3 years of free agent signings. Not counting UDFA's, were talking about a pool of 28 draft picks and about a dozen free agents that cost the team over 240 million total. So yea......i'd HOPE Gute could come up with 5 or 6 players for those resources.
Hell....give me 240 million and 3 drafts and so will i.
Rookies are rookies, potential is great, but a rookie season doesn't make a career. but time will answer that.
Now....if you want to put down the kool aid, and look at this on both sides, write a comment posting Gutes failed personnel moves, if you have the stomach for it. Lets see both sides.
Lastly...i should not have pointed out Gutes question mark on the right side of the line, i apologize. I should have included the other question mark area's as well.
13TimeChamps
September 13, 2020 at 05:44 pm
I'll drink some of that 14-4 Kool-aid all day long. Actually 15-4 after today.
PF4L
September 14, 2020 at 01:05 pm
That's about what i expected. I didn't think you had the stomach.
Beating a wounded and weak viking team as validation.
Stay thirsty Sparky.
Only 15 games to go. I'll look for you after the week 3 game, Sport.
PeteK
September 09, 2020 at 04:51 pm
Leatherhead's violent scenarios and Splitpea's ID pic are the reason I double lock my drs. at night. LOL. Just heard that Hunter is on IR for at least 3 games.
murf7777
September 09, 2020 at 05:12 pm
“Nothing will be answered in week one, but how they perform will set the tone for the rest of the year.” I agree, but not based on a win or loss, more on there effort and gap integrity that Pettine preached that was lacking against SF. Minny is one of the better running team so it will be a good test.
I’m really going to be watching how, Gary, MVS, Burks, Kirksey, Greene, Lowry and Lancaster and whoever plays the RT position. Oh, I forgot anyone other then Lewis playing TE. That will tell us a lot about where we are headed.
A side note, it will also be interesting how much time, and how any Rookies perform.
Coldworld
September 10, 2020 at 08:29 am
Honestly, looking at the league as a whole, it’s conceivable that there will be some pretty bad football in early weeks this year. All these guys have had is an intra squad scrimmage.
Could take a few weeks to settle down and there could be some odd results. Pretty much unheard of to go into a season in a complex team sport dependent on timing and anticipation and premised on physical interference with the opponents without warm up or practice games.
For that reason, I expect to be able to read even less into the first few games than normal.
BAMABADGER
September 09, 2020 at 05:14 pm
4 days and we find out improvements over last year, my concerns:
1) It is critical for AR to play within the system. Leave the ego in the locker room. Be more aggressive. Don't run the play clock to zero. Fingers crossed.
2) Worried that young TEs are not ready for prime time.
3) Interior defensive line and ILB has not been improved.
4) Can our carryover WRs produce like Alan Lazard did last season?
2 preseason games certainly would have helped the development and coaching analysis of players. Hopeful that the right players were kept for future development. This year it must have been difficult to make cuts with the lack of full contact practices and no preseason games.
GPG!
dobber
September 10, 2020 at 09:25 am
"1) It is critical for AR to play within the system. Leave the ego in the locker room. Be more aggressive. Don't run the play clock to zero. Fingers crossed."
You forgot: take what's given, and move the chains.
TXCHEESE
September 09, 2020 at 07:55 pm
I would bet BG signs a body or two after this week. Once the first game is played, vets no longer have their entire salary guaranteed. It’s then pay for performance for those gents. I would expect OL and DL specifically to be targeted.
murf7777
September 09, 2020 at 09:19 pm
Good point TX.
Coldworld
September 10, 2020 at 08:37 am
He has signed Draylon Mack. Personally I like that move. Strong as an ox, good against the run in college, some disruptive potential and a year in the league. Might have some upside but should be an effective wall versus the run now.
Seems to have been a victim of numbers and a desire to go lighter, got injured released, was not able to pass a physical till recently. Looks like Gute spotted a good opportunity. Can typically contribute as a pure run stuffer almost immediately despite scheme changes.
PeteK
September 10, 2020 at 09:08 am
He's a body we can stick in there on 1st down to give the interior a rest.
Lare
September 11, 2020 at 02:11 pm
Mack is on the practice squad, the only way he plays is if he's signed to the regular 53 roster.